Somalia, Turkey Presidents Discuss Economic And Defense Cooperation

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has met with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in Antalya, Turkey, where President Hassan Sheikh attended the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF).

According to Somalia’s Communications Directorate, the discussions between the two leaders at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum also touched upon Türkiye-Somalia relations, humanitarian aid, counterterrorism efforts, regional and global issues.

President Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Somalia in various areas, particularly emphasizing defense cooperation. He expressed Türkiye’s willingness to participate in mediation efforts to address tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.

On Feb. 8,Somalia and Turkey signed a Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, which the two Presidents approved.

The President of Somalia stated that the 10-year agreement supports the development of the blue economy, fish production, economic infrastructure construction, marine resource protection, counterterrorism efforts, and prevention of all illegal activities along Somalia’s coastline.